Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Military have successfully rescued seven individuals who were kidnapped in a daring operation in Kaduna State.
The rescue mission was initiated after a distress call on December 5, 2025, reporting that armed kidnappers had invaded a community in Ushafa, located in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja, abducting several residents.
A swift and coordinated response was launched by a joint team comprising operatives from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army, and the DSS.
In a statement released on Sunday, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, detailed how the security forces mobilised on December 6 to begin the search and rescue operation.
“Following a distress call received by the Police on December 5, 2025, reporting that heavily armed kidnappers had invaded a community in Ushafa, Abuja, and whisked away several residents under the cover of darkness, a joint security task force made up of operatives from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Nigerian Army, and the DSS swung into action on December 6, launching a coordinated manhunt for the abductors,” the statement said.
The security forces, guided by credible intelligence, tracked the suspects’ movements through the outskirts of the Mpape community, following their trail into settlements linking the Kagarko Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
Upon sighting the approaching security team, the kidnappers opened fire in a desperate attempt to escape, resulting in a fierce gun battle. In response, the security forces unleashed overwhelming firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon one of their captives during their retreat.
Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh described the operation, stating, “Displaying uncommon courage and endurance, the joint security team continued the chase for more than seven grueling hours across treacherous mountains and dense forest paths, determined to dismantle the criminal network completely.”
The pursuit eventually led the operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout deep inside Kweri Forest in Kaduna State, where another heavy exchange of gunfire broke out, breaking the gang’s resistance and forcing them to flee in disarray.
A thorough sweep of the forest camp resulted in the rescue of six more victims, bringing the total number of freed captives to seven. The rescued individuals were immediately evacuated to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition.
FCT Police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, commended the bravery, discipline, and professionalism of the operatives involved in the rescue mission. He further ordered the reinforcement of security along identified flashpoints to prevent further criminal incursions into the capital.
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